Prohibiting the employment or volunteering of a revoked or suspended educator.
If enacted, SB136 will amend existing laws regarding school employee records checks. Specifically, it will mandate that no school or educational institution can hire individuals whose credentials are currently revoked or suspended. However, the bill allows for certain exceptions: individuals whose suspension is temporary may be hired if their employment commences only after their credentials are reinstated, and those with revoked credentials in one endorsement area could still work in areas where they hold active endorsements. This could lead to a more stringent evaluation process for prospective educators.
Senate Bill 136 aims to prohibit the employment or volunteering of individuals who have had their educator credentials revoked or suspended. This legislation is designed to enhance the safety and integrity of educational environments by ensuring that individuals who have previously faced disciplinary action from the Department of Education are not placed in positions where they can influence or interact with students. The bill applies to all entities within the education sector, including public schools, charter schools, and nonpublic institutions.
The deliberation around SB136 has highlighted concerns regarding its implications for educators who might be facing temporary suspensions. Advocates for educational reform argue that while the bill serves to protect students, it also risks undermining the rights of educators, particularly when it comes to their ability to serve in any capacity in the educational system. Some debate exists over how this bill may impact the labor pool of qualified educators, especially in underserved areas where finding willing and capable candidates can be challenging.
One of the key points of contention is how the bill differentiates between temporary and permanent suspensions. Critics argue that the bill could lead to inconsistencies in employment practices across different districts, potentially affecting educators' job security and their ability to reintegrate into the educational workforce. Another important consideration is the bill’s enforcement and the role that school districts will have in interpreting the rules regarding employment and volunteering as it pertains to individuals with revoked credentials.